Friday

There are so many things that I want to learn and create. I've added metal and enamel to my list of interests. (leather is on the list as well) I'm afraid that my etsy shop is beginning to look a bit eclectic....embroidery, vintage and now metal. I'm not sure if it hurts or hinders sales. I kind of think of it as an interesting boutique with items from many different mediums.

When I began metalworking my intention was to marry metal and hand embroidery, which I've done in some of the pieces, but I also like creating just metal/enamel pieces. I don't think of myself as lacking focus, more that I want to create many different things. Eventually combining to create something unusual and beautiful. I really don't want to open two more Etsy shops to keep everything separate. Do you think it matters?

This necklace, the fern, was on its way to become a cloisonne piece, but I found that I loved the dimension and texture. So much so that I couldn't bear to sand it down to level the surface. It's a pretty substantial piece, 2" x 1.5. It's my first completed piece of enamel/semi-cloisonne jewelry and the first time I've used liver of sulfer to patina something. Boy does that stuff stink!

Once I created the fern I had a vision of how I wanted to set it and even though my metalworking skills are pretty new, it came out pretty much the way I intended. I really like its organic nature look and it fits into steampunk aesthetic as well. Keep an eye on my Etsy shop...I have two more pieces that I'm getting ready to bezel set.

So sweet! My shops are pretty eclectic, as well, but I think that even though we use different techniques in our 'eclectic' shops, they tend to be tied together with a certain design aesthetic. I personally like the more eclectic shops better, because they have dimension & more creative spark.

I love your embroidery. I also like the jewelry you've been showing here. I think the mix is good in the shop. One may be searching for an embroidered item and see other items and be interested. As a consumer, a mixed shop is an attraction as long as the items are quality. I don't think you're going to have a problem with THAT!! Mix it up!

i think an eclectic shop for you is perfect! i started with my recycled jewelry shop & opened a vintage shop to sell vintage jewelry - so as not to confuse the two. it grew into a vintage housewares shop instead! go figure :)

Hello, Dear! This is FANTASTIC! I love anything fern-related! ♥ I've come to your blog from the blog of one of my sweet commenters ~ you know how that goes ~ :) ~ Now following you!So nice to "meet" you!Hugs,Anne

This is such a gorgeous piece. I struggle with what to include in my shop as well. I've finally decided that what draws someone to one of my images will shine through in whatever style I choose. I love shopping eclectically and hope other do as well.